is 47 too old?
By dette47
@dette47 (19)
February 8, 2008 10:41am CST
I had my son when was 37, that was by choice but I always wanted another child. It was 1998. In January 2001, my mother died and I was devastated. but carried on to support my father. July 2002 my father died. After this everything carried on downhill. My husband got us into a lot of debt that we are still trying to cope with. My sister was ill. I had a 6 month period that I was bullied at work which led to severe anxiety and depression, time off work, therapy, and other very hard times. I am now 47, physically fit but I think I am too old now to have another baby and would like to know what the general opinion is? I don't feel to old and we have not tried for a baby because of how I feel.
I know I will regret not having another baby, but circumstances made it impossible. Could I do it again after 9 years or have I left it too long?
5 people like this
13 responses
@beinola (45)
• United States
9 Feb 08
I had my child when I was 36. I am now 47. Your story, in terms of stress, depression, and anxiety, parallels my own life: just change the circumstances. I am somewhat on my feet now and I would love to have another child. I have thought it through. If you are financially and emotionally stable (free and clear of clinical depression) I say go for it!!! If you have a partner (loving husband or boyfriend), that is even better. I think children bring so much joy and affirm life.
4 people like this
@autismmom2 (155)
• United States
9 Feb 08
I would say yes and no. Physically and mentally you may be ready for another baby, but are you ready for the possibility of a special needs child? After 30 the chance of having a baby with DS goes up a lot (I'm not sure what the numbers are, but they're high). I would suggest seeing a genetic counsler, and having your pregnancy followed very close.
If twins can be delivered 3+ months apart, you should be able to have a healthy pregnancy.
Good luck
4 people like this
@Liasonfan (1702)
• Canada
9 Feb 08
I am so sorry that things were that ruff for you there and glad to hear things have improved. As far as having another baby, you need to follow your insticts and do what you feel you are able to do. No one can certainly tell you whether you can or should have another baby, that is a very personal discion that should be made between you and your husband. Do feel up to the challenge? Good Luck and God Bless!
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
8 Feb 08
It was not your fault that you had to wait this long. It was just circumstances and when you consider that years ago, even thirty was considered too old, you are lucky to live in this time when age does not matter, that you can care for a child even when you are in your forties and over.
If you have had not gotten anything wrong with you inside, then you could. The trouble is if something has unknowingly gone wrong with you inside, you may not be able to. So why not try? If you have left it too late, it is not your fault, but if a miracle happens, then be glad.
You are never too old for a baby.
2 people like this
@dlkuku (1935)
• United States
9 Feb 08
This is certainly something that needs to be considered carefully. Maybe before you make a decision you should consult a doctor, there are a lot of different factors to consider physically at your age. Not that women in their 40's shouldn't have babies, if I could, I would, unfortunately that is not an option for me. My mom had my little sister when she was 40 and her pregnancy was high risk, there is a higher chance of birth defects which needs to be considered, and other complications can develop such as low birth weight.
I think you should consider it, if that is something you want, but I also think you need to find out what risks are involved.
3 people like this
@gemini_rose (16264)
•
8 Feb 08
You have had such a lot to contend with! To be honest with you in this day and age I think age is pretty irrelevant, and more and more people are opting to have children at a later stage in their lives, if this is what you really want go for it I say and do it soon so you dont end up regretting it because I am sure many have. It may be harder for you to conceive being older, but then again it might not, only one way to find out, get to it! Good Luck.
2 people like this
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
10 Feb 08
My husband and his ex-wife had their last child when they were both in their 40's, and the boy is now in his late teens. I don't think it's too old at all, if the parents are both healthy, and want to have another child.
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
10 Feb 08
We can all give you input, BUT, I think ONLY you can be the judge of whether you are in a position to bring another beautiful child into this world.
It seems you have had a "bankroll" of bad luck, have you recovered from this mentally & financially?
I am sorry this is a harsh question, BUT what are the reasons you want another child?
1 person likes this
@dette47 (19)
•
10 Feb 08
I have a few reasons really. I always wanted 2 children, I would love a little girl. My son says he would love a brother or sister. My husband has always wanted 2 children too. It would be lovely to have 2 children later on in life. I love children and everytime I see a new baby I'm so envious and get broody. I think!
1 person likes this
@david2005 (798)
• Canada
8 Feb 08
You are only as old as you feel but the older you are when you have a baby can bring a lot of complications and the baby has a better chance of not making it.
1 person likes this
@ramayay (10)
•
9 Feb 08
i feel that 47 years is not old in terms of age but having a child at this age might be a risk as the body might not support to this.its a risk that you are taking and this is the time when hormones are least active or atleast reaching towards their end
@juliet17ak2002 (121)
• United States
8 Feb 08
I don't think you are too old. If you are healthy and active I think an older mother has its benefits. The only thing I can think of is you might have to be more careful with diet and stuff during pregnancy. I say if you want it, go for it.
1 person likes this
